Being comfortable at work shouldn’t be a privilege. One should be free to show up as their true self without judgment or shame. As the world changes and grows, diversity in the workplace should not only be celebrated, but also sought out by employers.

Having experienced working in a job where there were large gaps in diversity was very challenging. As someone who was brought up to value diversity in all its forms it was often triggering for me to work in an environment that didn’t represent my community or see me as an asset. It was through that experience that I realized how significant company culture is to my mental and physical well-being. As a workingwoman of color having a solid support system in the workplace can truly make or break the experience.

As the landscape of the workforce changes, corporations are actively hiring more women, people of color, and LGBTQ employees. Studies show Millennials are the most diverse generation to date and as they move into management roles it is imperative for organizations not only to learn how to recruit and retain these diverse demographics, but to invest in the tools needed to create an environment that promotes inclusion and engagement for all.

When introduced to 26 Letters, I immediately recognized their unique opportunity to change the current landscape. With Caroline and Josh’s expertise and their collaborative system, the programming truly has the ability to offer support to growing institutions giving them a personalized roadmap to increase cultural competency and create a more inclusive company culture. After previously experiencing challenges around the lack of diversity at work, I felt personally compelled to join the 26 Letters team by advocating for their work and promoting their programming to a broader network. I believe investing in the future also means investing in those who bring forth new ideas, challenge an old school way of thinking, and move the state of the workforce forward.